When Terry Pettit arrived at the University of Nebraska to head up its volleyball programme in 1977, no more than 100 spectators would watch matches â on wooden chairs set up around the court by players. Last month, 92,003 packed into the Memorial Stadium, traditionally home to the collegeâs American football team, to watch the âCornhuskersâ beat Omaha in straight sets. In doing so, they set a record attendance for a womenâs sport event.
The third round of the 2023 Rugby World Cup produced the first truly epic clash â Irelandâs thrilling win over South Africa â and saw the first major side be shoved to the brink of elimination, as Australia suffered a chastening defeat by Wales.
Wales became the first Rugby World Cup team to qualify for the quarter-finals on Sunday while virtually shutting the door on Australiaâs hopes.